Minnesota goes for fifth straight year of zero deaths on New Year's Eve

Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead for a sober ride New Year’s Eve as Minnesota attempts to make it five years in a row with no drunk driving traffic deaths during the holiday.

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The Sleepy Eye Herald Dispatch

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Posted Jan. 2, 2013 at 1:51 PM
Updated Jan 2, 2013 at 1:54 PM

Posted Jan. 2, 2013 at 1:51 PM
Updated Jan 2, 2013 at 1:54 PM

Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead for a sober ride New Year’s Eve as Minnesota attempts to make it five years in a row with no drunk driving traffic deaths during the holiday.

In the last 10 years, there have been eight drunk driving deaths during the New Year’s holiday; zero in the past four years.

“Statistics show more people are doing the right thing by planning ahead for a safe ride home on New Year’s Eve,” said Jean Ryan, DPS Office of Traffic Safety impaired driving coordinator. “We hope people make a resolution to continue that behavior throughout all of 2013.”

10 deaths; one (10 percent) involved a drunk driver (zero in last four years).

24 serious injuries; eight (33 percent) were alcohol-related.

1,477 DWI arrests (295 per-year average).

Despite the downward trend in drunk driving incidents, New Year’s Eve still has the potential to be a dangerous night on Minnesota roads.

“All it takes is one bad decision for our roads to turn deadly,” says Lt. Eric Roeske, Minnesota State Patrol. “In many cases, that bad decision occurs when someone decides get behind the wheel after a night of drinking.”

Many law enforcement agencies statewide will be increasing DWI patrols on New Year’s Eve to encourage smart decisions and enforce the law.

“Toasted” — New TV Spot

DPS is airing a new TV spot this week, “Toasted,” to encourage motorists to avoid the dangers and consequences of drunk driving. View the spot at www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXDTSwTzTGM&feature=youtu.be or download a broadcast-quality. "https://mndeptpublicsafety.sharefile.com/d/sd19934ec4d94ea29

DWI Consequences

A DWI offense can result in loss of license for up to a year, thousands in costs and possible jail time.

Repeat DWI offenders, as well as first-time offenders arrested at 0.16 and above alcohol-concentration level, must use ignition interlock in order to regain legal driving privileges, or face at least one year without a driver’s license. Offenders with three or more offenses are required to use interlock for three to six years, or they will never regain driving privileges.

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Tips to Prevent Drunk Driving

Plan for a sober ride — designate a sober driver, use a cab/public transportation or stay at the location of the celebration.

See www.metrotransit.org/millerfreerides as Metro Transit is offering free rides on New Year’s Eve from 6 p.m. through the last scheduled trip on buses and light rail.

Those not planning to drink should let family/friends know they are available to offer a sober ride home.